Iran
Iran Test Fires Missile Capable of Hitting Israel
TelegraphDecember 16, 2009
Iran said it has successfully tested what it called an upgraded version of its longest-range, solid-fuel Sajjil-2 missile.
State television broke the news in a one-sentence report that gave no details on the test of the Sajjil-2 missile, a high-speed, surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 1,200 miles.
That range places Israel, Iran's sworn enemy, well within reach and streches as far away as south-eastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models.
Iran has intensified its missile development programme in recent years, a source of serious concern in Israel, the United States, and its Western allies at a time when they accuse Tehran of seeking to build a nuclear weapon.
Iran, which is under several sets of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear programme, denies the charge. It says its nuclear program is aimed solely at generating electricity.
Iran tried to deceive world by 'testing' old missiles, US experts believe
Iran's missile test shows it has no desire to unclench its fist
Iran accused of testing triggers
Israel will not hesitate if threatened, defence minister says
Threats and Sanctions Have Lost Efficiency: Mottaki
Tehran TimesDecember 14, 2009
Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki has stated that the era of threats and sanctions against nations has elapsed, saying threatening Iran with such tactics have proven futile.
The U.S. defense secretary and the British prime minister have called for an intensification of sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program. Mottaki said such statements are a legacy of the Bush administration.
“Presumably Western politicians are used to repeat such a language,” Mottaki said in Manama.The chief diplomat went on to say that employing such a language towards a nation who is determined to safeguard its native technological achievements is doomed to failure.
Washington is worried about Iran’s growing influence in Latin America, a region which the United States has considered its backyard for centuries.
Hilary Clinton, the U.S. secretary of state, has called Iran’s idea of expanding ties with Latin American countries severely alarming.
On Clinton’s remarks, Mottaki said, “Americans’ behavior” is in stark contrast to the international treaties such as the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He added Iran strongly condemns such unprofessional remarks which go against the internationally-accepted norms.
“The fact that Clinton analyzes countries’ bilateral relations suspiciously while employing threatening tactics is against diplomatic and professional principles.”He said no member of the UN has the right to prevent others from establishing constructive ties with other countries based on mutual respect and equal partnership.
Asked about U.S. officials’ interventionist remarks about Iran’s internal affairs, the minister said the Iranian nation never allows foreigners to meddle in its domestic issues which are primarily aimed at dividing the nation and destabilizing the country.
Iran to Test New Missiles in Near Future
Tehran TimesDecember 14, 2009
Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced on Sunday that Iran will soon test some new missiles and warships.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of the technology and research achievements exhibition in Tehran.
These projects are now in the final phase and further details will be released soon, he added.
The minister said the Defense Ministry is determined to make more technological breakthroughs in cooperation with Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
“The research and technological cycle has taken shape in the Ministry of Defense by relying on the capabilities of universities and research centers,” said the minister.
